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Winter Weather

Even though Jacksonville is in Florida, we can still experience dangerous winter weather. Extreme cold, dense fog, and even ice and snow storms are possible during the winter months. Dangers from these weather conditions include unsafe roads, cold-related illness, fires, and power outages. 
Winter Weather Alerts
When there's a winter weather risk in Jacksonville, the National Weather Service will issue alerts and warnings.
Monitoring for a Frost Advisory or Extreme Cold Conditions
BE AWARE!
The potential for a Frost Advisory or Extreme Cold conditions will be highlighted in the NWS Jacksonville Daily Briefing and via official NWS Jacksonville forecasts.
Frost Advisory
BE PREPARED!
A Frost Advisory is typically issued when there is widespread frost across Jacksonville. A Frost Advisory is not issued with a Freeze Watch/Warning.
Freeze Watch
TAKE ACTION!
A Freeze Watch is issued when there is a potential for temperatures between 28°F - 32°F within the next 24-36 hours.
Freeze Warning
TAKE ACTION!
A Freeze Warning is issued when temperatures between 28°F - 32°F are expected for at least 2 hours.
Hard Freeze Watch
TAKE ACTION!
A Hard Freeze Watch is issued when there is potential for temperatures expected to be less than or equal to 27°F within the next 24-36 hours.
Hard Freeze Warning
TAKE ACTION!
A Hard Freeze Warning is issued when temperatures are expected to be less than or equal to 27°F for at least 2 hours.
Monitoring for a Wind Chill Advisory or Extreme Cold Conditions
BE AWARE!
The potential for a Wind Chill Advisory or Extreme Cold conditions will be highlighted in the NWS Jacksonville Daily Briefing and via official NWS Jacksonville forecasts.
Wind Chill Advisory
BE PREPARED!
A Wind Chill Advisory is typically issued when the wind chill is between 6°F - 25°F, and the wind speeds are greater than or equivalent to 10mph for greater than 3 hours.
Wind Chill Warning
TAKE ACTION!
A Wind Chill Warning is typically issued when the wind chill is less than or equivalent to 5°F, and the wind speeds are greater than or equivalent to 10mph for greater than 3 hours.
 
During Extreme Cold
Stay Warm:
  • Stay inside in heat during extreme cold. 
  • If you have to go outside, wear layers, a hat & gloves and carry a cell phone.
  • Check on neighbors, children, the elderly & chronically ill to make sure they are okay.
  • Bring pets inside.
Know the Signs of Cold-Related Illness:
Seek medical attention immediately of you or someone you know experiences the following symptoms:
  • Shivering or fumbling hands
  • Exhaustion or drowsiness
  • Confusion or memory loss
  • Slurred speech
  • Bright red, cold skin or very low energy in infants
Practice Fire Safety and Prepare Your Home:


  5 P's of Cold Weather Preparedness
During Dense Fog, An Ice Storm, Or Snow
Stay Informed and Connected:
  • Sign up for ALERTJAX notifications and follow JaxReady on Twitter, Facebook, and Nextdoor.
  • Check local news for detailed information and follow instructions carefully
  • Know how to contact your loved ones, at work, at school, and at home.
  • Follow the instructions of emergency officials. 
Be Careful on the Road: 
  • Listen to emergency personnel and do what they say.
  • Stay off the road as much as possible.
  • If you must drive, use extreme caution during icy or foggy conditions. 
  • Take extra care on elevated roads, like bridges.
Prepare for Power Outages: 
  • Keep generators outside and at least 20 feet away from your home.
  • Stay warm: wear warm clothes and go to a public place like a library, recreation center, or mall for temporary relief.
  • Use flashlights, not candles for light.
  • Preserve cell phone battery life. Texting saves battery life compared to calling.